The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, has issued a strongly worded statement against the Imo State Commissioner of Education, accusing the ministry’s leadership of adopting increasingly authoritarian policies in its dealings with schools in the state.

In a press statement dated September 4, 2026, Archbishop Ugorji alleged that recent directives from the Commissioner amount to excessive interference in the adminwistration of mission and private schools. He called for an immediate end to unilateral decision-making and urged the Imo State Government to embrace dialogue with education stakeholders.

Archbishop lists major concerns over Imo education policies

Among the issues raised by the Archbishop are directives concerning school resumption and closing dates, the observance of holidays by Christian schools, textbook selection and pricing, and what he described as threats of punitive measures against educators who publicly express professional concerns.

Ugorji specifically alleged that Christian schools in Imo State were being compelled to observe Islamic holidays. He also criticised attempts to exercise greater control over textbooks used by schools.

According to the statement, the Archbishop believes such policies undermine the independence and initiative of educators and could create an atmosphere in which schools and education professionals are reluctant to challenge government decisions.

He argued that a healthy education system should instead be built around collaboration, dialogue, academic freedom and mutual respect among administrators, teachers, parents and students.

Textbook policy also comes under criticism

The Archbishop’s statement also raised concerns about textbook regulation. He accused the education authorities of attempting to select textbooks exclusively from a government-approved list while also unilaterally determining their prices.

He maintained that education policy should encourage critical thinking and diversity of thought rather than impose what he described as rigid conformity.

The statement further argued that schools should not be administered in a manner where compliance is demanded without adequate consideration of the informed opinions of stakeholders.

Archbishop Ugorji calls on Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene

Beyond addressing the Imo State Commissioner of Education, Archbishop Ugorji appealed directly to Governor Hope Uzodimma to intervene in the dispute.

He asked the governor to call the Commissioner to order, arguing that the ongoing controversy could create what he described as a misleading impression of conflict between the Imo State Government and the Church.

The Archbishop also called on elected representatives to investigate the allegations of abuse of power and urged greater accountability within the Ministry of Education.

Calls for dialogue with private and mission schools

At the centre of the Archbishop’s intervention is a demand for consultation. He called on the state education authorities to halt what he described as unilateral directives and instead hold transparent and meaningful discussions with relevant education stakeholders.

He expressed solidarity with educators and families who oppose policies they consider excessive interference in school administration.

The statement represents a significant public challenge to the recent policies attributed to the Imo State Commissioner of Education, particularly because the Catholic Church operates numerous mission schools and educational institutions across Imo State.

What happens next?

The controversy is likely to draw attention from school proprietors, teachers, parents and other education stakeholders, particularly over how much authority the state should exercise over privately owned and mission schools.

As of the statement dated September 4, Archbishop Ugorji’s demand is clear: the education authorities should replace unilateral directives with consultation and dialogue.

Attention will now turn to the response of the Imo State Government and the Ministry of Education to the specific allegations raised by the Archbishop.